Celery, in my opinion, is one of those vegetables that has a bad reputation for absolutely no reason. It always seems to be available in your local grocery store; its quality tends to be pretty consistent; and it's refreshing, healthy, and a necessary ingredient in soups or stocks. It also provides colorful companionship to the classic game-day hot wings, carrot sticks, and bleu cheese dressing.
But have you ever found yourself snacking on some celery and wondering if your dog can safely have a bite, too? I know my dog will beg for just about anything I am eating, and I always feel a little guilty saying no.
So, can our dogs eat celery? Is celery good for dogs like it is for us? The answer is that celery is safe for dogs to eat, and some vets actually even recommend it — but there is a safe way to serve celery to dogs, as well as an unsafe way. Keep reading to learn how much celery a dog can safely eat!
Can Dogs Eat Celery?
Yes, dogs can eat celery! In fact, it is one of the better “people” foods for them, according to cliniciansbrief.com. It has some pretty fantastic benefits and unlike some other foods, celery has very low caloric value, so the number of vitamins and minerals to calorie ratio is pretty favorable. In fact, celery is actually used in some dog foods and homemade dog recipes!
Can Dogs Eat Celery Leaves?
Celery leaves are often the most flavorful part of the plant — and especially useful when added to your stockpot to simmer. But when it comes to feeding your dog, it may be the best to avoid them.
Celery is a vegetable that can be highly susceptible to accumulating pesticides or other toxins if not grown organically. And the part of the plant where these potential toxins are stored is in the leaves, according to Livestrong.com.
Opinions on how dangerous the celery leaves actually are may differ, but I have a tendency to tread carefully when something may affect my dog’s health.
Why Celery Is Good For Dogs
Celery contains tons of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your dog, according to the American Kennel Club's website. It's high in water content and low-calorie, making it an ideal treat. Celery contains lots of vitamin K, which contributes to strong, healthy bones. This makes it especially good for older dogs or particularly energetic ones.
It also contains almost as much potassium as bananas do. If your dog is always feeling snack-y, or if you are engaged in some serious dog training that requires positive reinforcement with treats, you may want to consider giving them small bits of celery since it is very low calorie but still packs a satisfying crunch.
This powerful green vegetable is extremely high in water content. In fact, it is 95% water. So it is a great choice for a summertime snack for your pup who hasn’t had much water that day.
When Can It Be Bad For Dogs?
Dogs can’t digest fruits and vegetables as efficiently as humans can, so there is a potential for an upset stomach. Additionally, celery contains a lot of water, as previously mentioned, which can result in excessive urination or even diarrhea, The Smart Canine warns. For this reason, it is always a good idea to give celery to your dog in small amounts and as an occasional treat and not rely on it as a regular part of their diet.
How Much Celery Can Dogs Have?
The American Kennel Club recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and celery falls into that category. As always, when making a decision to feed your dog a new food, it is always a good idea to consult your vet to get their take on whether it is the best idea for your dog, specifically.
How To Feed Celery To Dogs
The AKC also emphasizes the risk of choking or intestinal blockage when giving dogs large celery chunks. When feeding celery to your dog, remember to cut it up well, into small chunks.
There you have it: all you need to know about feeding your dog celery. If this article helped you, we would love it if you would SHARE it with a friend or two!
